Registration is open for the 2026 REMS Summit presented by Rockford Community Bank at Northern Illinois University Rockford on February 5. This full-day event connects manufacturers, leaders, and solution providers to explore key priorities for today’s operations, including workforce and leadership development, automation, supply chain strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
8:00 – 8:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast, 8:30 Introduction and Logistics in auditorium
8:45 – 9:45 AM | Keynote Session #1: Why Grow Your Business in Rockford
Facilitator: Dean Harms (IMEC)
Panelists: Mike Rodriguez (PCI Pharma Services), Jesse Milks (State Line Foundries), Mayor Tom McNamara, Angie Ostler (Quantum Design)
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Breakout Session I (Choose one)
10:45 – 11:15 AM | Breakout Session II (Choose one)
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Lunch & Vendor Expo
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Keynote Session #2: Legislative & Political Update – Mark Denzler (IMA)
1:15 – 1:45 PM | Breakout Session III (Choose one)
2:00 – 2:30 PM | Breakout Session IV (Choose one)
2:30 – 4:00 PM | Networking Happy Hour 🎉
Breakout Session Options (30 minutes each)
Rm – Creating a Culture of Engagement Through Lean Leadership – IMEC
– Strategic Supply Management: Smarter Risk Profiling – IMEC
– The Workforce Challenge: From Hiring Gaps to Talent Pipelines – Workplace Staffing
– Scorecard Made Simple: A Data/KPI Workshop – EOS
– Process Improvement & Efficiencies – The Middlesworth Group
– Automation and AI for Manufacturers
– From Paper to People: Modernizing HR Without Disrupting Operations – Paylocity
– Growing Manufacturing with SBA Lending Incentives – SomerCor
– Environmental Health & Safety: What You Need to Know – KTL
Vendor Expo: 20 vendor booths featuring valuable resources and services for manufacturers.
Visit vendor booths for a chance to win a gift card

